For me, Dynasty Warriors has always been like comfort food—a reliable series by Omega Force that has consistently delivered the same sprawling historical narrative with each new game. Ever since diving into the series with Dynasty Warriors 2, I’ve been hooked, returning again and again over the past 25 years to follow these iconic characters through their grand saga. And after all this time, I’ve developed some favorites, like the valiant Guan Yu.
So, naturally, I was curious diving into the 10th mainline entry of the series. With a title like Dynasty Warriors: Origins, it’s clear the game is going back to its roots, opting for a reinvention that shakes the formula fans have come to expect from the series’ new entries.
Speaking of changes, Origins takes a deeper dive into storytelling. It only covers the first half of the epic narrative we’re familiar with, but it does so with a richer level of detail. Typically, Dynasty Warriors kicks off with the Yellow Turban Rebellion—a crucial event that ignites the saga of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the semi-historical narrative on which the games are based. Origins, however, rewinds to show the Yellow Turban faction’s formation, descent into corruption, and eventual downfall. It’s basically a prequel to the series’ traditional starting point.
Adding to the fresh narrative is the introduction of a brand new protagonist you get to name. This amnesiac warrior’s past unfolds as you play, marking a significant shift in the series’ approach. Unlike previous games where players could choose from numerous officers across different factions, here you’ll primarily guide this single character on a journey that interlaces with familiar personalities—many of whom become playable in the course of the adventure.
This change is a brave move from the developers, one that breathes new life into the series. Though the open-world style of Dynasty Warriors 9 isn’t present, focusing on one main character lets them craft a more dynamic Story Mode. Instead of just hopping from battle to battle interspersed with cutscenes, you now navigate an overworld between levels. Here, you can explore, discover hidden secrets, tweak your loadout, befriend officers, and participate in skirmishes to level up.
Combat in Dynasty Warriors has always been its core appeal, and fans will be relieved to know that the series’ signature hack ‘n’ slash action remains intact. However, Origins introduces new layers of complexity. Players need to master blocks, parries, and evades especially when facing bosses, and puzzle-like mechanics spice up certain battles. Plus, Battle Art special abilities offer customization options to suit various play styles and weapon types.
This doesn’t feel like change for the sake of change; rather, it feels like a confident step forward. The sensation of playing a 2nd-century superhero is still there, but the added strategic depth in combat ensures every encounter feels fresh.
Balancing the familiar with the innovative, Origins continues to deliver what makes Dynasty Warriors special while seamlessly integrating new elements. In essence, it remains my comfort food, albeit with a few new ingredients thrown in for good measure.
